Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2022
218. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps that are being taken to progress the new just transition commissioner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4308/22]
View answer219. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the status of the drafting of legislation to establish a just transition commissioner on a statutory footing due by quarter 4 2022 as set out in the Climate Action Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4309/22]
View answer220. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the final report of the just transition commissioner due in quarter 4 of 2021 as set out in the Climate Action Plan will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4310/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 218 to 220, inclusive, together.
Mr. Kieran Mulvey was appointed as Just Transition Commissioner by the Government in November 2019 with the mandate to engage with those affected by the accelerated exit from peat for electricity generation in the Midlands region, and to recommend to Government the essential elements of a just transition for those workers and communities. The Commissioner has made an important contribution to the Government's overall just transition response in the Midlands region, helping to facilitate dialogue, and bringing forward concerns from affected communities, residents, workers, and businesses. I have received the Commissioner’s fourth progress report and I intend to publish it shortly. The Government has responded to the recommendations contained in the Commissioner’s earlier reports through the Midlands Implementation Plan, published as part of the Government’s Climate Action Plan 2021.The Government has committed, through the 2021 Climate Action Plan, to establishing a statutory Just Transition Commission, with the general scheme of legislation to establish the Commission to be completed by the end of this year. The Climate Action Plan sets out that the purpose of this Commission will be to provide strategic advice to Government, integrating its role with existing governance and engagement structures, on how Government policy can further a just transition.
I intend to progress and develop proposals on the mandate of the statutory Just Transition Commission during the course of 2022 in advance of preparing the general scheme of legislation. In this context, and building on the work that he has undertaken to date in relation to the Midlands region, I intend that Mr. Mulvey will continue to support me in an advisory capacity on the development of policy to underpin the proposed statutory Just Transition Commission .
